Foreign minister unfazed by Arab public's protest over arrest of Ameer Makhoul, Omar Said. 'There is far more than decisive evidence. These people are closer to Iran, Hezbollah, North Korea in their values,' he says

Makhoul spoke before entering the Petah Tikvah Magistrates' Court for a hearing on the remand of her husband's arrest,
which took place behind closed doors.

It was later decided to extend Makhoul's remand by five days.

Meanwhile dozens who support the Arab activist and Omar Said, who was arrested together with him on similar charges, gathered to protest outside the court.

"Since Ameer was kidnapped from home our
lives have been difficult, but we are dealing with it," she said. Makhoul added that her husband was being held under worse conditions than other prisoners and that he was being prevented from seeing his attorney.

"It's a democratic and legal right, but he is not being given this right," she said. "The Shin Bet will not frighten us. I was born during the time of the military regime here and now there is a military rule towards Israeli-Arabs. They are trying to terrorize us and our girls but we are strong and will not break."

Wednesday's protest for Makhoul (Photo: Ido Erez)

One of Makhoul's daughters also spoke, saying, "We are sure our father did not spy and are waiting for him to come home."

Outside the courthouse, dozens of activists held up signs saying, "No to political persecution" and "Release Ameer Makhoul and Omar Said".

Another of Makhoul's daughters said it was "heartwarming to see the support of Jews who came here to protest dad's situation".

Among the protestors was Sheikh Raed Salah, head of the Islamic Movement's northern branch, and former MK Isam Makhoul, Ameer's brother. "Yesterday Salah was acquitted of a criminal case," he said.

"Just as it ended for him it will end for Ameer, and it will be proven that a mountain was made out of a molehill."

A number of passersby were angered at the protest and yelled out derogatory comments. "I don't have a problem with the Arabs, it is their right to protest, but what bothers me is that Jews are protesting with them. They should be locked in a dungeon for life," one bystander said.